U.S. patent number 10,828,952 [Application Number 16/209,271] was granted by the patent office on 2020-11-10 for suspension system for a work vehicle.
This patent grant is currently assigned to CNH Industrial America LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is CNH Industrial America LLC. Invention is credited to Michael Jensen, Daniel Payne.
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United States Patent |
10,828,952 |
Jensen , et al. |
November 10, 2020 |
Suspension system for a work vehicle
Abstract
A suspension system for a work vehicle includes an axle bar, an
inner control member, an outer control member, and a slide housing.
The axle bar extends through the inner control member, the outer
control member, and the slide housing. The axle bar is
non-rotatably coupled to the slide housing and is configured to
pivot with the slide housing and relative to the inner control
member and the outer control member.
Inventors: |
Jensen; Michael (Lockport,
IL), Payne; Daniel (Westmont, IL) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CNH Industrial America LLC |
New Holland |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CNH Industrial America LLC (New
Holland, PA)
|
Family
ID: |
1000005171634 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/209,271 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20200171904 A1 |
Jun 4, 2020 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60G
17/052 (20130101); B60G 9/02 (20130101); B60G
17/0152 (20130101); B60G 2202/10 (20130101); B60G
2300/082 (20130101); B60G 2200/32 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60G
9/02 (20060101); B60G 17/015 (20060101); B60G
17/052 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Other References
Extended European Search Report and Opinion dated May 7, 2020 for
European Application No. 19213133.2 (6 pages). cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Swenson; Brian L
Attorney, Agent or Firm: DeMille; Rickard K. Henkel; Rebecca
L.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A suspension system for a work vehicle, comprising: an axle bar;
an inner control member; an outer control member; and a slide
housing, wherein the axle bar extends through the inner control
member, the outer control member, and the slide housing, and the
axle bar is rotatably coupled to the slide housing and is
configured to pivot with the slide housing and relative to the
inner control member and the outer control member.
2. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein the inner control
member and the outer control member are configured to be rigidly
coupled to an axle housing.
3. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein the axle bar is
configured to couple to a gear system at a first end of the axle
bar and to couple to a wheel at a second end of the axle bar.
4. The suspension system of claim 1, comprising a suspension
cylinder coupled to the slide housing.
5. The suspension system of claim 4, wherein the suspension
cylinder is configured to absorb energy associated with the
pivoting of the slide housing.
6. The suspension system of claim 4, comprising a bell crank and a
connecting rod, wherein the bell crank is configured to couple to
the suspension cylinder and to the connecting rod, and the
connecting rod is configured to couple to the bell crank and to the
slide housing.
7. The suspension system of claim 4, wherein the suspension
cylinder comprises a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or a
spring.
8. The suspension system of claim 1, comprising bearings, wherein
the axle bar is rotatably coupled to the slide housing via the
bearings.
9. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein the slide housing is
disposed between the inner control member and the outer control
member, and the inner control member and the outer control member
are configured to at least partially block lateral movement of the
slide housing.
10. A suspension system for a work vehicle, comprising: an axle
bar; and a suspension subassembly comprising a slide housing and an
axle housing, wherein the axle bar is rotatably coupled to the
slide housing, and the axle bar and the slide housing are
configured to pivot relative to the axle housing; and a suspension
cylinder coupled to the slide housing via a bell crank, wherein the
suspension cylinder is configured to absorb energy associated with
the pivoting of the slide housing.
11. A suspension system for a work vehicle, comprising: an axle
bar; and a suspension subassembly comprising a slide housing and an
axle housing, wherein the axle bar is rotatably coupled to the
slide housing, and the axle bar and the slide housing are
configured to pivot relative to the axle housing, wherein the
suspension subassembly comprises an inner control member configured
to block an inward lateral movement of the slide housing along the
axle bar.
12. The suspension system of claim 11, wherein the suspension
subassembly comprises an outer control member configured to block
an outer lateral movement of the slide housing along the axle
bar.
13. The suspension system of claim 12, wherein the slide housing is
disposed between the inner control member and the outer control
member.
14. The suspension system of claim 11, wherein the inner control
member comprises a first surface and a second surface configured to
block the pivoting of the slide housing.
15. The suspension system of claim 14, wherein inner control member
comprises a third surface generally concentric about a pivoting
axis of the axle bar, and wherein inner control member is pivotally
coupled to the slide housing via third surface.
16. A suspension system for a work vehicle, comprising: an axle bar
having a first end, a second end, and a pivot point disposed
adjacent to the first end; and a suspension subassembly comprising
an inner control member, a slide housing, and an outer control
member, wherein the axle bar is rotatably coupled to the slide
housing, and the axle bar and the slide housing are configured to
pivot about the pivot point of the axle bar relative to the inner
control member and the outer control member.
17. The suspension system of claim 16, wherein the axle bar extends
through the inner control member, the slide housing, and the outer
control member, and the inner control member, the slide housing,
and the outer control member are disposed generally between the
first end of the axle bar and the second end of the axle bar.
18. The suspension system of claim 16, wherein the first end of the
axle bar is configured to couple to a gear system, and the second
end of the axle bar is configured to couple to a wheel.
19. The suspension system of claim 16, comprising a suspension
cylinder coupled to the slide housing, wherein the suspension
cylinder is configured to absorb energy associated with the
pivoting of the slide housing.
Description
BACKGROUND
The present disclosure relates to a suspension system for a work
vehicle.
Generally, a work vehicle includes a driveline and wheels that
enable the work vehicle to travel across terrain and to support a
weight of the work vehicle. The driveline generally includes an
axle shaft connecting the work vehicle to a wheel. In certain work
vehicles, a spacing between wheels is adjustable. The axle shaft is
connected to an axle housing that is rigidly connected to a frame
of the work vehicle. The axle shaft is configured to rotate to
transfer motion of a drivetrain to the wheel, thereby enabling the
work vehicle to travel across the terrain. The work vehicle may
travel across various types of terrain, such as uneven field
surfaces, paved roads, and other types of terrain. As the work
vehicle travels across such terrain, the rigidly connected axle
housing may transfer forces associated with movement of the wheel
to other portions of the work vehicle, including a cab. This may
reduce traction at the wheel and may reduce occupant comfort in the
cab.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the disclosed
subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not
intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these
embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain
disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass
a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the
embodiments set forth below.
In certain embodiments, a suspension system for a work vehicle
includes an axle bar, an inner control member, an outer control
member, and a slide housing. The axle bar extends through the inner
control member, the outer control member, and the slide housing.
The axle bar is non-rotatably coupled to the slide housing and is
configured to pivot with the slide housing and relative to the
inner control member and the outer control member.
DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
disclosure will become better understood when the following
detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout
the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a work vehicle
having a suspension system;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a suspension
system that may be employed in the work vehicle of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the suspension system of FIG.
2, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a side view of a gear system of the suspension system of
FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a suspension subassembly of the
suspension system of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a first position of the
suspension subassembly of FIG. 5; and
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second position of the
suspension subassembly of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of
these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not
be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in
the development of any such actual implementation, as in any
engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific
decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals,
such as compliance with system-related and business-related
constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another.
Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort
might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a
routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for
those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.
When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present
disclosure, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended
to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms
"comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be
inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than
the listed elements. Any examples of operating parameters and/or
environmental conditions are not exclusive of other
parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments.
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include a suspension
system for a work vehicle. Certain work vehicles are configured to
travel across various types of terrain, including terrain with
uneven surfaces. Accordingly, a suspension system is described
herein that enables a work vehicle to more efficiently traverse
terrain with uneven surfaces. In certain embodiments, the
suspension system includes an axle bar, an inner control member, an
outer control member, and a slide housing. The axle bar is coupled
to the slide housing, and the axle bar and the slide housing are
configured to pivot relative to the inner control member and the
outer control member within an axle housing. As such, in certain
embodiments, the axle bar of the suspension system for the work
vehicle is configured to pivot as the work vehicle travels across
uneven terrain. As the axle bar pivots, the suspension system may
absorb energy associated with the work vehicle traveling across the
uneven terrain, thereby increasing traction of tires of the work
vehicle and increasing occupant comfort in the work vehicle.
With the foregoing in mind, the present embodiments relating to
suspension systems may be utilized in any suitable work vehicle.
For example, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
work vehicle 10 having a suspension system 12. To facilitate
discussion, the work vehicle 10 and certain components of the work
vehicle 10 may be described with reference to a vertical axis or
direction 24, a longitudinal axis or direction 26, and a lateral
axis or direction 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the work
vehicle 10 is a tractor that may be coupled to and configured to
tow one or more agricultural implements. In certain embodiments,
the work vehicle 10 may be an on-road vehicle, a harvester, a
sprayer, or another suitable type of vehicle with a suspension
system.
In the illustrated embodiment, the work vehicle 10 includes a body
14 configured to house a motor, a transmission, other systems of
the work vehicle 10, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the
work vehicle 10 includes a cab 16 configured to house an operator.
Moreover, the work vehicle 10 includes vehicle wheels, including
front wheels 18 and rear wheels 20, at least some of which may be
driven by a drive system coupled to the motor and/or the
transmission, thereby driving the work vehicle 10 along a field, a
road, or any other suitable surface. Each of the front wheels 18
and the rear wheels 20 are coupled to a respective tire 22. The
operator may steer the work vehicle 10 by manipulating or providing
an input to a hand controller within the cab 16. The hand
controller may be a steering wheel. However, the work vehicle 10
may be steered by any suitable controlling device, such as an
electronic (e.g., automatic) controlling device located within the
work vehicle 10 or remote from the work vehicle 10. Additionally,
the operator may slow or stop the work vehicle 10 by manipulating
or providing an input to a brake pedal. Furthermore, the work
vehicle 10 may be remotely controlled and/or operated
autonomously.
As described herein, the suspension system 12 enables the work
vehicle 10 to more efficiently traverse a surface. The surface may
include various types of terrain. For example, the surface may be
an uneven surface and/or may include sand, mud, rocks, grass,
hills, valleys, other types of terrain, or a combination thereof.
An axle bar of the suspension system 12 coupled to a respective
tire 22 may be configured to pivot generally about the longitudinal
axis 26 relative to a frame of the work vehicle 10 to enable the
work vehicle 10 to more smoothly and efficiently traverse these
various types of terrain. As such, the suspension system 12 may
increase traction between the surface and the respective tire 22
and may increase occupant comfort in the cab 16.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a suspension
system 12 that may be employed in the work vehicle of FIG. 1. The
suspension system 12 may be employed in a rear portion of the work
vehicle and may be coupled to the rear wheels of the work vehicle.
In certain embodiments, the suspension system 12 or portions of the
suspension system 12 may be employed in a front portion of the work
vehicle and may be coupled to the front wheels of the work vehicle.
The suspension system 12 may also be coupled to other wheels of the
work vehicle.
In the illustrated embodiment, the suspension system 12 includes a
differential housing 30, an inner housing member 32, a gear housing
34, and a suspension subassembly 40. The suspension subassembly 40
includes an axle bar 42, an axle housing 44, a suspension cylinder
46, and a bell crank 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the
suspension subassembly 40 includes an outer shaft seal plate 60 and
an outer shaft seal 62. In certain embodiments, the suspension
system 12 and/or the suspension subassembly 40 may include other
and/or additional components.
The differential housing 30 houses a differential of the suspension
system 12. The differential may include various gears configured to
translate a motion of a drive shaft to the axle bar 42. For
example, in certain embodiments, the drive shaft may be disposed
along and/or parallel to the longitudinal axis 26 and may be
coupled to the differential adjacent to or within the differential
housing 30. The drive shaft may translate motion and power
generated by an engine of the work vehicle to the differential. For
example, a first end of the drive shaft may be coupled to the
engine (e.g., via a transmission), and a second end of the drive
shaft may be coupled to gears of the differential. The engine may
rotate the drive shaft which may rotate the gears of the
differential.
In certain embodiments, the gears of the differential may be
coupled to a gear system. For example, a sun shaft of the gear
system may be coupled to the gears of the differential and may be
driven to rotate as the gears of the differential rotate. Rotation
of the sun shaft may drive rotation of planetary gears of the gear
system. Rotation of the planetary gears may drive rotation of a
planetary carrier which may rotate the axle bar 42 of the
suspension system 12. As such, the power generated by the engine
may be transferred to the axle bar 42 via the drive shaft, the
differential, and the gear system, thereby driving the axle bar 42
to rotate.
As illustrated, the inner housing member 32 is coupled to the
differential housing 30 and the gear housing 34. The inner housing
member 32 may house portions of the gear system. For example, the
inner housing member 32 may house portions of the sun shaft and/or
other portions of the gear system.
As illustrated, the gear housing 34 is coupled to the inner housing
member 32 and the axle housing 44. The gear housing 34 houses a
portion of the gear system (e.g., a portion of the sun shaft, the
planetary gears, the planetary carrier, and a ring gear). In
certain embodiments, the gear housing 34 may house all of the gear
system or may include portion(s) of the gear system (e.g., the gear
housing may be the ring gear of the gear system). Further, one or
more seals may be disposed between the differential housing 30 and
the inner housing member 32, between the inner housing member 32
and the gear housing 34, between the gear housing 34 and the axle
housing 44, or a combination thereof. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the differential housing 30, the inner housing member
32, the gear housing 34, the axle housing 44, or a combination
thereof, may be a single component.
As illustrated, the axle housing 44 is coupled to the gear housing
34 and the outer shaft seal plate 60. The axle housing 44 houses an
inner control member, a slide housing, and an outer control member.
In certain embodiments, the axle housing 44 may house other and/or
additional components. The suspension subassembly 40 includes the
axle housing 44, the inner control member, the slide housing, the
outer control member. In certain embodiments, the suspension
subassembly 40 may include other and/or additional components.
As illustrated, the outer shaft seal plate 60 is coupled to the
axle housing 44 and the outer shaft seal 62. The outer shaft seal
plate 60 provides an interface for the outer shaft seal 62 to
couple to other components of the suspension system 12 (e.g., to
the axle bar 42). In certain embodiments, the outer shaft seal
plate 60 may be omitted such that the outer shaft seal 62 couples
directly to the axle housing 44 or to the outer control member. The
axle bar 42 protrudes through the outer shaft seal plate 60 and the
outer shaft seal 62. As the axle bar 42 pivots and rotates, the
outer shaft seal 62 substantially maintains a seal at an interface
of the axle bar 42 and the outer shaft seal plate 60.
As illustrated, the bell crank 48 is coupled to the axle housing 44
at a pivot point 74 of the bell crank 48, to the suspension
cylinder 46 at a first end 70 of the bell crank 48, and to a
connecting rod at a second end 72 of the bell crank 48. The
connecting rod may be coupled to the slide housing at a first end
of the connecting rod and to the bell crank 48 at a second end of
the connecting rod. In certain embodiments, the bell crank 48
rotates about the pivot point 74. For example, as the axle bar 42
pivots, the slide housing moves and pivots within the axle housing
44. As the slide housing moves and pivots, the connecting rod moves
generally along the vertical axis 24. The movement of the
connecting rod causes the bell crank 48 to rotate about the pivot
point 74.
As illustrated, the first end 70 of the bell crank 48 includes
multiple connection points 76 each configured to connect the bell
crank 48 to the suspension cylinder 46. Each connection point 76
may enable the suspension subassembly 40 provide a target
damping/firmness for a corresponding wheel position. The wheel
position is a position of the wheel along the axle bar 42. For
example, if a wheel position is changed on the work vehicle, the
suspension cylinder 46 may be adjusted to connect to a different
connection point 76. The different locations of the connection
points 76 facilitate control of the force applied by the suspension
cylinder 46. As such, the different locations of the connection
points 76 and the ability to adjust the location where the
suspension cylinder 46 is coupled to the bell crank 48 enables the
suspension subassembly 40 to provide different levels of suspension
damping/firmness.
The suspension cylinder 46 is coupled to the bell crank 48 at a
first end of the suspension cylinder 46 and to a portion of the
work vehicle frame at a second end of the suspension cylinder 46.
In certain embodiments, the second end of the suspension cylinder
46 may be coupled to the differential housing 30, which is coupled
to the work vehicle frame. As the bell crank 48 rotates about the
pivot point 74, the suspension cylinder 46 compresses or extends
depending on the movement of the bell crank 48 and the axle bar 42.
As illustrated, the suspension cylinder 46 is a hydraulic cylinder
configured to selectively compress and extend. In certain
embodiments, the suspension cylinder 46 may be a pneumatic
cylinder, a spring, or another suspension component configured to
absorb energy associated with the axle bar 42 pivoting.
As illustrated, the axle bar 42 is configured to generally pivot
along an upward direction 64 and a downward direction 66 and
generally rotate along a rotational direction 68. Each of the
upward direction 64 and the downward direction 66 are generally
along the vertical axis 24, and the rotational direction 68 is
generally about the lateral axis 28. As a wheel end 78 of the axle
bar 42 pivots generally downwardly in the downward direction 66
(e.g., away from the suspension cylinder 46), the slide housing and
the connecting rod also move generally downwardly in the downward
direction 66. The second end 72 of the bell crank 48 is pulled
downwardly by the connecting rod. As such, the bell crank 48
rotates about the pivot point 74, such that the first end 70 moves
away from the suspension cylinder 46. The rotation of the bell
crank 48 causes the suspension cylinder 46 to extend. The extension
of the suspension cylinder 46 dissipates a portion of the energy
associated with the axle bar 42 pivoting generally downwardly in
the downward direction 66.
In another example, as the wheel end 78 of the axle bar 42 pivots
about the longitudinal axis 26 and generally upwardly in the upward
direction 64 (e.g., toward the suspension cylinder 46), the slide
housing and the connecting rod also move generally upwardly in the
upward direction 64. The second end 72 of the bell crank 48 is
pushed upwardly by the connecting rod. As such, the bell crank 48
rotates about the pivot point 74, such that the first end 70 moves
toward the suspension cylinder 46. The rotation of the bell crank
48 causes the suspension cylinder 46 to compress. The compression
of the suspension cylinder 46 dissipates a portion of the energy
associated with the axle bar 42 pivoting generally upwardly in the
upward direction 64.
As illustrated, the suspension cylinder 46 extends generally along
the lateral axis 28. However, in certain embodiments, the
suspension cylinder 46 may extend generally along the vertical axis
24 or in an orientation generally between the vertical axis 24 and
the lateral axis 28, and may be configured to absorb energy
associated with the pivoting of the axle bar 42.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the suspension
system 12 of FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. As
illustrated, the suspension system 12 includes the differential
housing 30, the inner housing member 32, the gear housing 34, the
gear system 80, and the suspension subassembly 40. In the
illustrated embodiment, each of the inner housing member 32, the
gear housing 34, the gear system 80, and the suspension subassembly
40 are disposed on a first side and a second side of the
differential housing 30. The inner housing member 32 houses a
portion of the gear system 80, including sun gear 82 and planetary
carrier 84. As illustrated, the planetary carrier 84 is coupled to
the sun gear 82 and to the axle bar 42. The gear housing 34 houses
a portion of the gear system 80. In certain embodiments, the inner
housing member 32, the gear housing 34, the axle housing 44, or a
combination thereof, may form a single housing configured to house
components and systems of the suspensions system 12. A differential
disposed generally in the differential housing 30 may be configured
to rotate the sun gear 82 of the gear system 80 on each side of the
suspension system 12. The sun gear 82 may drive rotation of the
planetary gears and the planetary carrier 84 of the gear system 80.
The planetary carrier 84 may drive rotation of the axle bar 42.
The suspension subassembly 40 includes the axle bar 42, an inner
shaft seal plate 58, an inner shaft seal 59, an inner control
member 50, a slide housing 52, an outer controller member 54, a
connecting rod 56, a connecting rod seal 57, the suspension
cylinder 46, the bell crank 48, the outer shaft seal plate 60, and
the outer shaft seal 62. In certain embodiments, the suspension
subassembly 40 may also include the differential housing 30, the
inner housing member 32, the gear housing 34, the gear system 80,
or a combination thereof.
As illustrated, the inner control member 50 and the inner shaft
seal plate 58 are individual components. Embodiments with the inner
control member 50 and the inner shaft seal plate 58 as individual
components may facilitate replacing the inner control member 50,
the inner shaft seal plate 58, the inner shaft seal 59, other
components of the suspension subassembly 40, or a combination
thereof. Additionally, shims may be disposed between the inner
control member 50 and the inner shaft seal plate 58 to enable an
appropriate fit of the components of the suspension subassembly 40.
However, in certain embodiments, the inner control member 50 and
the inner shaft seal plate 58 may be a single component coupled to
the inner shaft seal 59, the slide housing 52, the axle housing, or
a combination thereof.
As illustrated, the suspension subassembly 40 also includes an axle
bar cap 85 at the end of each axle bar 42 adjacent to the planetary
carrier 84. The axle bar cap 85 is configured to form a seal within
the planetary carrier 84 inward from the end of the axle bar 42
along the lateral axis 28 as the axle bar 42 pivots and/or rotates.
Additionally, the inner shaft seal 59 is coupled to an interior
portion of the inner shaft seal plate 58 and is configured to form
a seal at the planetary carrier 84. For example, the axle bar 42
protrudes through the inner shaft seal plate 58 and into the
planetary carrier 84. The inner shaft seal 59 is configured to
substantially maintain a seal at an interface of the planetary
carrier 84 and the inner shaft seal plate 58 as the planetary
carrier 84 rotates. As such, the axle bar cap 85 and the inner
shaft seal 59, in combination, provide a seal and/or fluid barrier
between the gear system 80 and the suspension subassembly 40. As
illustrated, the inner shaft seal plate 58 is rigidly coupled to
the axle housing 44 and to the inner control member 50. The slide
housing 52 is pivotally coupled to the inner control member 50 and
to the outer control member 54. As such, the slide housing 52 is
configured to pivot with the axle bar 42 and relative to the axle
housing 44, the inner shaft seal plate 58, the inner control member
50, and the outer control member 54.
The axle bar 42 is configured to pivot about a pivot point 27, such
that the wheel end 78 moves generally vertically in the upward
direction 64 and in the downward direction 66. Additionally, the
axle bar 42 is non-rotatably coupled to the gear system 80 and
pivotally coupled to the gear system 80. For example, a crowned
spline connection may provide the pivotable joint that is a
non-rotatably coupling. For example, the axle bar 42 is configured
to pivot about the pivot point 27 as the gear system 80 drives the
axle bar 42 in the rotational direction. As the axle bar 42 pivots
about the pivot point 27, one or more portions of the suspension
subassembly 40 may pivot with the axle bar 42. For example, the
slide housing 52 is configured to pivot about the pivot point 27
with the axle bar 42.
The connecting rod 56 is coupled at a first end to the slide
housing 52. A second end of the connecting rod 56 is coupled to the
second end 72 of the bell crank 48. The connecting rod 56 extends
through a hole of the axle housing 44. The connecting rod seal 57
is coupled to the axle housing 44 and is configured to
substantially maintain a seal between the connecting rod 56 and the
axle housing 44 at the opening in the axle housing 44 as the
connecting rod 56 moves relative the axle housing 44. As the slide
housing 52 pivots about the pivot point 27, the connecting rod 56
transfers motion of the slide housing 52 to the bell crank 48. The
transfer of motion from the connecting rod 56 causes the bell crank
48 to rotate about the pivot point 74. As such, the bell crank 48
rotates about the pivot point 74 as the slide housing 52 and the
axle bar 42 pivot. The bell crank 48 is coupled to the suspension
cylinder 46 at the first end 70 of the bell crank 48 and to the
connecting rod 56 at the second end 72 of the bell crank 48. As the
bell crank 48 rotates about the pivot point 74, the suspension
cylinder 46 is selectively driven to extend and compress. A first
end of the suspension cylinder 46 is coupled to the first end 70 of
the bell crank 48, and a second end of the suspension cylinder 46
is coupled to the frame of the work vehicle. As such, as the axle
bar 42 and the slide housing 52 pivot, the bell crank 48 is driven
to rotate, thereby driving the suspension cylinder 46 to extend and
compress. In this manner, the suspension cylinder 46 may absorb
energy associated with the axle bar 42 pivoting.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the gear system 80 of the suspension
system of FIG. 2. The gear system 80 includes a sun gear 82, a
planetary carrier 84, planet gears 86, and a ring gear 88. As
illustrated, each of the sun gear 82, the planetary carrier 84, the
planet gears 86, and the ring gear 88 includes teeth configured to
mate to another gear. The sun gear 82 is non-rotatably coupled to
the differential of the suspension system, and the teeth of the sun
gear 82 engaged corresponding teeth of the planet gears 86. The
planetary carrier 84 is coupled to each planet gear 86 and is
configured to rotate as the planet gears 86 rotate. The teeth of
the planet gears 86 engage corresponding teeth of the ring gear 88.
The ring gear 88 is coupled to the gear housing 34. The sun gear 82
is driven to rotate by the differential of the suspension system.
The rotation of the sun gear 82 drives rotation of the planet gears
86 around an interior of the ring gear 88. The rotation of the
planet gears 86 drives the planetary carrier 84 to rotate in the
same direction of rotation as the sun gear 82 and at a different
rotational speed compared to the sun gear 82.
The planetary carrier 84 is coupled to a first side of the axle bar
and is configured to drive the axle bar to rotate. As such, the
gear system 80 may translate rotational motion from the
differential to the axle bar, thereby enabling the axle to drive
the corresponding wheel to rotate. In certain embodiments, the
planetary carrier 84 and the driven end of the axle bar are splined
to non-rotatably couple the axle bar to the planetary carrier 84.
The splines of the driven end of the axle bar may be crowned to
enable the axle bar to pivot while non-rotatably coupled to the
planetary carrier 84. For example, the axle bar may be configured
to pivot about a pivot point at the driven end of the axle bar
while non-rotatably coupled to the planetary carrier 84.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the suspension subassembly 40 of
the suspension system of FIG. 2. The suspension subassembly 40
includes the axle bar 42, the inner control member 50, the slide
housing 52, and the outer control member 54. In certain
embodiments, the suspension subassembly 40 may include additional
components of the suspension system described herein.
As illustrated, the axle bar 42 includes a first end 90 (e.g., the
driven end) coupled to the axle bar cap 85 and a second end 94
(e.g., the wheel end). The first end 90 extends from a first
portion 92 of the axle bar 42 to a second portion 93 of the axle
bar 42. The first end 90 includes splines 91 and is configured to
couple to the gear system. The splines 91 may interface with
corresponding splines of the planetary carrier of the gear system
to enable the gear system to drive the axle bar 42 to rotate. In
the illustrated embodiment, the first end 90 is crowned such that a
first diameter of the axle bar 42 at the splines 91 is larger than
a second diameter of the axle bar 42 at the first portion 92 and at
the second portion 93. The crown of the first end 90 may enable the
axle bar 42 to pivot about a pivot point 27 while being
non-rotatably coupled to the gear system. Accordingly, the axle bar
42 may rotate while pivoting about the pivot point 27. The second
end 94 of the axle bar 42 may be coupled to the wheel.
As illustrated, a first end 100 of the slide housing 52 has a first
sidewall 101, a second sidewall 102, and a third sidewall 103. The
first sidewall 101 and the second sidewall 102 extend along the
vertical axis 24 and are disposed generally opposite each other
along the longitudinal axis 26 at the first end 100. The third
sidewall 103 extends along the longitudinal axis 26 and is
generally disposed between the first sidewall 101 and the second
sidewall 102. The inner control member 50 is disposed between the
first sidewall 101 and the second sidewall 102 and is in contact
with the slide housing 52 at the first sidewall 101 and the second
sidewall 102. The slide housing 52 is configured pivot as the axle
bar 42 pivots about the pivot point 27. As the slide housing 52
pivots, the inner control member 50 remains in contact with the
first sidewall 101 and the second sidewall 102. For example, a
lubricant may be disposed between the inner control member 50 and
the first sidewall 101 and/or between the inner control member 50
and the second sidewall 102 to facilitate movement of the slide
housing 52 along the inner control member 50. Additionally, the
contact between the inner control member 50 and the first sidewall
101 and between the inner control member 50 and the second sidewall
102 blocks movement the slide housing 52 relative to the inner
control member 50 along the longitudinal axis 26 and blocks
rotation of the slide housing 52 as the axle bar 42 rotates.
Further, the third sidewall 103 is a stop surface configured to
stop the pivoting of the slide housing 52 at a top and a bottom of
the slide housing 52 and at a corresponding top and a corresponding
bottom of the inner control member 50.
A second end 104 of the slide housing 52 is disposed generally
opposite the first end 100 of the slide housing 52 along the
lateral axis 28. The second end 104 is configured to contact and
move along the outer control member 54. The outer control member 54
has a first sidewall 105, a second sidewall 106, and a third
sidewall 107. The first sidewall 105 and the second sidewall 106
extend along the vertical axis 24 and are disposed opposite each
other along the longitudinal axis 26. The third sidewall 107
extends along the longitudinal axis 26 and is disposed between the
first sidewall 105 and the second sidewall 106. The second end 104
of the slide housing 52 is disposed between the first sidewall 105
and the second sidewall 106 and is in contact with the outer
control member 54 at the first sidewall 105 and the second sidewall
106. The slide housing 52 is configured to pivot as the axle bar 42
pivots about the pivot point 27. As the slide housing 52 pivots,
the slide housing 52 remains in contact with the first sidewall 105
and the second sidewall 106. For example, a lubricant may be
disposed between the second end 104 of the slide housing 52 and the
first sidewall 105 and/or between the second end 104 of the slide
housing 52 and the second sidewall 106 to facilitate movement of
the slide housing 52 along the outer control member 54.
As such, the axle bar 42 and the slide housing 52 are configured to
pivot about the pivot point 27 relative to the inner control member
50 and the outer control member 54. The inner control member 50 and
the outer control member 54 may guide the slide housing 52 as the
axle bar 42 and the slide housing 52 pivot about the pivot point
27. For example, the first sidewall 101 and the second sidewall 102
of the first end 100 of the slide housing 52 may block motion of
the slide housing 52 along the longitudinal axis 26 as the slide
housing 52 pivots about the pivot point 27. The first sidewall 105
and the second sidewall 106 of the outer control member 54 may
block motion of the slide housing 52 along the longitudinal axis 26
as the slide housing 52 pivots about the pivot point 27.
Additionally, the sidewalls 101, 102, 105, and 106 prevent rotation
of the slide housing 52 about the lateral axis 28 and restrict the
slide housing 52 to the pivoting motion generally about the
longitudinal axis 26.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the suspension subassembly 40,
in which the axle is in the first position. As illustrated, the
axle bar 42 extends through the inner shaft seal plate 58, the
inner control member 50, the slide housing 52, the outer control
member 54, the outer shaft seal plate 60, and the outer shaft seal
62. The axle bar 42 is configured to pivot about the pivot point 27
and to rotate. As the axle bar 42 pivots and rotates, the inner
shaft seal 59, the outer shaft seal 62, and the axle bar cap 85 are
configured to substantially maintain a seal at the axle bar 42. As
the axle bar 42 pivots about the pivot point 27, the slide housing
52 also pivots about the pivot point 27. The movement of the slide
housing 52 causes the connecting rod 56 to drive the bell crank 48
to rotate. Rotation of the bell crank 48 drives the suspension
cylinder 46 to selectively extend and compress.
In the illustrated embodiment, bearings are disposed within the
slide housing 52 to enable the axle bar 42 to rotate relative to
the slide housing 52. For example, as illustrated, a first bearing
assembly 140 and a second bearing assembly 144 are disposed within
the slide housing 52. The first bearing assembly 140 includes an
inner ring 141, bearings 142, and an outer ring 143. The second
bearing assembly 144 includes an inner ring 145, bearings 146, and
an outer ring 147. The inner ring 141 and the inner ring 145 are
disposed on the axle bar 42 and configured to rotate with the axle
bar 42. As the inner ring 141 and the inner ring 145 rotate, the
bearings 142 and the bearings 146 rotate around the outer ring 143
and the outer ring 147, respectively. The outer ring 143 and the
outer ring 147 are non-rotatably coupled to the slide housing 52
and remain stationary relative to the rotation of the axle bar 42.
In certain embodiments, a lubricant may be disposed within each of
the first bearing assembly 140 and the second bearing assembly 144
to facilitate rotation of the axle bar 42. As such, as the axle bar
42 rotates, the inner ring 141, the bearings 142, the inner ring
145, and the bearings 146 may rotate within the slide housing 52,
thereby establishing a rotatable coupling between the slide housing
52 and the axle bar 42.
The inner control member 50, the slide housing 52, and the outer
control member 54 include surfaces that enable the slide housing 52
to pivot relative to the inner control member 50 and the outer
control member 54. As illustrated, the inner control member 50
includes a first surface 120, a second surface 121, and a third
surface 122. The first surface 120 and the second surface 121 are
generally flat, and the third surface 122 is concentric about the
pivoting axis of the axle bar 42. The third sidewall 103 of the
first end 100 of the slide housing 52 includes a first surface 110,
a second surface 111, and a third surface 112. The first surface
110 and the second surface 111 are generally flat, and the third
surface 112 is concentric about the pivoting axis of the axle bar
42. As the axle bar 42 and the slide housing 52 pivot about the
pivot point 27, the third surface 112 of the slide housing 52 moves
along the third surface 122 of the inner control member 50. The
concentric shapes of the third surface 112 of the slide housing 52
and the third surface 122 of the inner control member 50 enable the
slide housing 52 to pivot relative to the inner control member 50
and about the pivot point 27. Further, contact between the third
surface 112 of the slide housing 52 and the third surface 122 of
the inner control member 50 blocks inward movement of the slide
housing 52 along the lateral axis 28 and controls the pivoting of
the axle bar 42 along the upward direction 64 and the downward
direction 66.
The first surface 110 of the third sidewall 103 is disposed at a
first end of the sidewall 103. The first surface 110 is configured
to contact the first surface 120 of the inner control member 50 as
the wheel end 78 of the axle moves generally upwardly along the
vertical axis 24 and in the upward direction 64. As such, the first
surface 110 of the third sidewall 103 and the first surface 120 of
the inner control member 50 block the pivoting movement of the axle
bar 42 and the slide housing 52 when the first surface 110 of the
third sidewall 103 contacts the first surface 120 of the inner
control member 50.
The second surface 111 of the third sidewall 103 is disposed at a
second end of the sidewall 103. The second surface 111 is
configured to contact the second surface 121 of the inner control
member 50 as the wheel end 78 of the axle moves generally
downwardly along the vertical axis 24 and in the downward direction
66. As such, the second surface 111 of the third sidewall 103 and
the second surface 121 of the inner control member 50 block the
pivoting movement of the axle bar 42 and the slide housing 52 when
the second surface 111 of the third sidewall 103 contacts the
second surface 121 of the inner control member 50.
The third sidewall 107 of the outer control member 54 is configured
to contact a sidewall 130 of the second end 104 of the slide
housing 52. The sidewall 130 is configured to move along the third
sidewall 107. For example, as the slide housing 52 pivots about the
pivot point 27, the sidewall 130 may move along the third sidewall
107. A lubricant may be disposed between the third sidewall 107 and
the sidewall 130 to facilitate movement of the sidewall 130 along
the third sidewall 107.
As illustrated, the suspension subassembly 40 includes an inner
bearing seal 148 and an outer bearing seal 149. The inner bearing
seal 148 forms and substantially maintains a seal between the first
bearing assembly 140 and portions of the slide housing 52 and/or
other portions of the suspension subassembly 40 (e.g., the inner
control member 50, the inner shaft seal 59, etc.). The outer
bearing seal 149 forms and substantially maintains a seal between
the second bearing assembly 144 and portions of the slide housing
52 and/or other portions of the suspension subassembly 40 (e.g.,
the outer control member 54, the outer shaft seal 62, etc.). As
such, the inner bearing seal 148 and the outer bearing seal 149
enable the first bearing assembly 140 and the second bearing
assembly 144 to be lubricated with oil and/or with other
lubricants. For example, the area adjacent to the first bearing
assembly 140 and the second bearing assembly 144 may be lubricated
with a first lubricant (e.g., oil), and the area adjacent to the
surfaces of the inner control member 50, the slide housing 52, and
the outer control member 54 contacting one another (e.g., the third
surface 112, the third surface 122, the third sidewall 107, the
sidewall 130, etc.) may be lubricated with a second lubricant
(e.g., grease). The inner bearing seal 148 and the outer bearing
seal 149 may form and substantially maintain the seal such that the
first and second lubricants do not mix.
As illustrated, the axle bar 42 includes an inner chamfer 150 and
an outer chamfer 152. As the inner chamfer 150 extends along the
axle bar 42 toward the wheel end 78, the inner chamfer 150
increases in width such that a slope is created along the axle bar
42. The inner chamfer 150 at least partially prevents a stress
riser along the axle bar 42. As illustrated, the outer chamfer 152
is an extension protruding radially from the axle bar 42. The
protrusion of the outer chamfer 152 is configured to extend into a
slot created by a first end component 154 and a second end
component 156. As such, the outer chamfer 152 is configured to
block movement of the axle bar 42 inwardly and/or outwardly along
the lateral axis 28.
As illustrated, the suspension subassembly 40 also includes a ring
158 (e.g., a snap ring and shims) that is disposed around the axle
bar 42 adjacent to the first bearing assembly 140 such that the
axle bar 42 protrudes through the ring 158. The ring 158 blocks
movement of the first bearing assembly 140 inwardly along the
lateral axis 28 and toward the differential. For example, the inner
ring 141 may contact the ring 158 to block the inward movement of
the axle bar 42.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the suspension subassembly 40
of FIG. 5, in which the axle bar 42 is in the second position. As
illustrated, the axle bar 42 and the slide housing 52 are pivoted
about the pivot point 27 relative to the inner control member 50
and the outer control member 54, such that the wheel end 78 of the
axle bar 42 is positioned upwardly relative to the first position
shown in FIG. 6. The first surface 110 of the slide housing 52 is
in contact with the first surface 120 of the inner control member
50, thereby blocking the slide housing 52 from further pivoting
upwardly. The third surface 112 of the slide housing 52 has moved
upward along the third surface 122 of the inner control member 50.
The sidewall 130 of the slide housing 52 has moved upwardly along
the third sidewall 107 of the outer control member 54.
The illustrated pivoting movement of the slide housing 52 drives
the connecting rod 56 generally upwardly along the vertical axis
24. As illustrated, the upward movement of the connecting rod 56
drives the bell crank 48 to rotate about the pivot point 74,
thereby moving the first end 70 toward the suspension cylinder 46.
The rotation of the bell crank 48 drives the suspension cylinder 46
to compress. As illustrated, the suspension cylinder 46 is in a
compressed state. As such, the suspension cylinder 46 may compress
as wheel end 78 of the axle bar 42 moves upwardly along the
vertical axis 24 and in the upward direction 64.
In certain embodiments, the axle bar 42 and the slide housing 52
may pivot such that the wheel end 78 of the axle bar 42 moves
downwardly along the vertical axis 24. As the slide housing 52 is
pivoted generally downward about the pivot point 27, the second
surface 111 of the slide housing 52 may contact the second surface
121 of the inner control member 50, thereby blocking the slide
housing 52 from further pivoting downwardly. Additionally, as the
slide housing 52 is pivoted generally downwardly about the pivot
point 27, the third surface 112 of the slide housing 52 may move
downwardly along the third surface 122 of the inner control member
50, and the sidewall 130 of the slide housing 52 may move
downwardly along the third sidewall 107 of the outer control member
54.
As the axle bar 42 and the slide housing 52 pivot generally
downwardly away from the suspension cylinder 46, the connecting rod
56 may be driven downwardly. The downward movement of the
connecting rod 56 may drive the bell crank 48 to rotate about the
pivot point 74, thereby moving the first end 70 away from the
suspension cylinder 46. The rotation of the bell crank 48 drives
the suspension cylinder 46 to expand. As such, the suspension
cylinder 46 may expand as the wheel end 78 of the axle bar 42 moves
downwardly along the vertical axis 24 and in the downward direction
66.
The suspension subassembly 40 is configured to substantially
maintain seals throughout the range of motion of the axle bar 42
and the slide housing 52. For example, the connecting rod seal 57
may substantially maintain a seal about the connecting rod 56 as
the connecting rod 56 moves relative to the axle housing of the
suspension subassembly 40. The connecting rod seal 57 may remain
coupled to the axle housing while the connecting rod 56 moves.
Additionally, the inner shaft seal 59 may substantially maintain
the seal at the inner shaft seal plate 58 and the planetary carrier
as the planetary carrier rotates. The axle bar cap 85 may
substantially maintain the seal within the planetary carrier and
axially inward of the axle bar 42 as the axle bar 42 rotates and
pivots. Further, the outer shaft seal 62 may substantially maintain
the seal at the outer shaft seal plate 60 and about the axle bar 42
as the axle bar 42 rotates and pivots.
The suspension system described herein enables a work vehicle to
efficiently traverse uneven terrain. An axle bar and a slide
housing of the suspension system may pivot as the work vehicle
travels over such terrain. A suspension cylinder coupled to the
slide housing may selectively extend and compress as the slide
housing pivots. The suspension cylinder may absorb energy
associated with the pivoting motion of the axle bar and may provide
increased traction at tire(s) of the work vehicle. In this manner,
the suspension system may enable the work vehicle to more smoothly
travel across the terrain and may enhance a user's experience while
operating the work vehicle. For example, the suspension system may
increase a comfort level of the user. Additionally, the ability of
the suspension system to more efficiently absorb such energy may
prevent other portions of the work vehicle from absorbing the
forces. As such, a working life of the other portions of the work
vehicle may be extended.
The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and
applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical
nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and,
as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical.
Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification
contain one or more elements designated as "means for [perform]ing
[a function] . . . " or "step for [perform]ing [a function] . . .
", it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35
U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements
designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements
are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).
While only certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated
and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to
those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that
the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications
and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.
* * * * *